Monday, August 21, 2017–a day that started out like any other hot, summer day in South Carolina, that is except for the strange excitement in the air.

Today was the day that the paths of the sun and the moon would cross. The moon would leave a shadowy path across the United States that would leave many of us in total darkness during the warmest, sunniest part of the day.

Since I work from home, I quickly worked to finish my to-do list so I could focus on the event. Unlike many who traveled hundreds of miles to view the phenomenon, my son, Bradley, and I only had to step out of our garage to watch. I was awestruck by the power of our Creator as twilight fell, the temperature cooled, the cicadas started to chirp and a strange calm rested all around.

Where were you when the lights went out? I imagine you have a similar story to tell. It was a deeply spiritual experience for me, as I am sure it probably was for you. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1) To see God’s power and control over the universe up close and personal like that was humbling.

He stopped a nation in the middle of a busy work day to focus on His majesty. Imagine how much more Christ will demand the attention of the world when He returns at the second coming. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 says, “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God …”

Up until that time, many of us will be busy getting our to-do lists done, doing what we think we can control. Truly, there is so much that we cannot control. In the end, only what we do for Christ will even matter anyway. Only what we do for Christ will last. 2 Peter 3:10 tells us, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.”

If we are Christians and Christ returns before we die, we will be called up into the air to be with Him forever. Or, if He delays in returning for His people, there will come a day when the light of our lives here on earth as we know it will go out in death. We each have an appointed time, and no one can avoid that reality. If your light goes out in death, where will you be?

Will you be instantly embraced for all eternity by the Son, Jesus Christ, the Light of the World? Or, will you live in total darkness for all eternity? Hell is described as darkness because it is the place farthest removed from God. There will be no God to listen to cries for mercy or give hope of release.Today is the day while God is listening to cry for mercy and for the freedom that only comes through Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the only way to escape an eternity in Hell. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.“ If you are not sure where you will be when the light of your life goes out, I beg you to settle that today. Christ is waiting to come into your heart and be your Savior. Just admit you are a sinner in need of His forgiveness, and ask Him to save you and be the Lord of your life. He will ignite His eternal light in your heart and it will never be extinguished.

Dear Lord: Thank you for allowing us to experience the miracle of the eclipse and for the many miracles that You work for us every day in your creation and in our lives that we do not stop to pay attention to. When You bring our focus to them, we are awestruck and humbled by Your majesty and by Your love for us. Thank You for the greatest miracle of all, that You would allow Your only Son Jesus Christ to die a cruel death for our sins so that we might have eternal life in Heaven with You. If there is someone reading this blog today who does not know Christ as their personal Savior, please let today be the day that they accept Your precious gift of eternal life through Jesus. Amen

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

The city (Heaven) does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Revelation 21:23 

Please share your thoughts, comments and experiences. Where were you when the lights went out on Monday? Where will you be when the light goes out at the end of your life?

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May God richly bless you and your family. May the love of Jesus Christ burn brightly in your life today and always.